TC Electronics Mastering 6000 Processor Unit

MASTERING 6000 is a legacy product, having served in thousands of high-profiled mastering studios since 1999. Over the years, new mastering algorithms have been introduced, but with the latest incarnation of MASTERING 6000 a whole new chapter has been written.
MASTERING 6000 simply comes with more pristine tools under the hood than ever before.
Tailored entirely for mastering, you will not find a more complete high-end mastering solution anywhere.

• Tailored for Mastering

A Complete Suite of Tools for Those All-important Mastering Sessions

• Give Your Master Track A Treat

Extremely Flexible and Musical Dynamics Control. Loudness Metering, Upconversion and Hi-res EQ

• System 6000 MKII Platform

The Audio Backbone of Thousands of Music and Film Studios Around the World

Tailored for Mastering

As the name implies, MASTERING 6000 is all about audio mastering.
Starting in the 80’s, we pioneered the field of digital audio and later we did the same regarding perceived loudness. Since then, we have provided the pro audio and broadcast markets with state-of-the-art tools.
With MASTERING 6000 we have collected all of the tools we know the world’s most respected mastering engineers use with System 6000. In other words, it has become even easier for you to find the right combination of tools for this legendary platform. We have simply gathered and pre-installed the full package so the system is ready to perform right out of the box.

Treat Your Master Track

MASTERING 6000 includes the finest stereo and multichannel dynamics tools known to audio: MDX 5.1, MD 5.1, MD3 and MD4. All of these algorithms work with multiple bands of dynamics control, and as a final safety net, you also get the legendary Brickwall 2 Limiter.
EQ is also essential in mastering, so we have added EQ 5.1 and the amazing MDW Hires EQ by George Massenburg Labs. To meet loudness delivery specs for broadcast, you also get the LM6 Loudness Radar Meter, and if you need to deliver in 5.1 surround, UnWrap HD lets you upconvert a stereo signal into a convincing 5.1 surround version.
Finally, you will get Matrix 88, Varipitch 8 and Tolbox 5.1 for your surround mastering sessions.

Proven Platform

The hardware platform of MASTERING 6000 has been tested intensively in the most demanding production environments since 1999. You will find System 6000 in literally thousands of world-leading mastering, recording, film and post studios all over the world, and in quite a few OB vans and broadcast production studios as well. The platform has won no less than three of the prestigious TEC Awards over the years. In 2000 for the original System 6000, in 2005 for MASTERING 6000 and in 2010 for System 6000 MKII.

Mastering 6000 Tools

The latest incarnation of MASTERING 6000 comes with all of the algorithms that was included with the original version – Multichannel as well as Stereo tools. On top of that, you get a lot of additional algorithms that are invaluable in mastering, including UnWrap HD, our LM6 Loudness Radar Meter and the state-of-the-art MDW EQ by George Massenburg Labs and more.
Below, you will find a complete list of the tools included with MASTERING 6000.

Multichannel Mastering

Use multichannel presets as templates for 5.1 limiting, optimization, DVD mastering and film to DVD transfers. Our presets are great starting points for Time Alignment, Bass Management and Downmix functions meeting international standards.

MD 5.1

Compressor, Expander and Limiter for multichannel signals in one algorithm. Extensive linking and priority parameters enable you to control your processing with precision.

Toolbox 5.1

Support your surround productions with a palette of various Level, Test, Bass Management and Downmix tools.

MDX 5.1

High-resolution dynamics processor for multichannel signals. This algorithm gives you a sophisticated approach to dynamic range control.

EQ 5.1

Six mono channels of 4-band fully parametric EQ. Use this analog-sounding effect alone or in conjunction with other algorithms.

Stereo Mastering

Our three stereo mastering algorithms are the absolute high-end tools for Multiband Compression, EQ, Expanding, Normalizing, and Brickwall Limiting. The result: nothing less than a flawless sound for every end listener.

MD4

Advanced, high-resolution, multiband dynamics algorithm that includes the innovative DXP mode, allowing you to lift up low-level detail individually in each band.

MD3

This high-resolution, multiband dynamics processor has been the industry standard for more than a decade. It will split your audio into individual frequency bands before expanding and compressing.

Brickwall Limiter 2

The ultimate True-peak protection of your signal without sacrificing loudness. We’ve designed this processor to show if a signal is contaminated with 0dBFS peaks – and to remove them.

Matrix 88

Digital 8-Channel Mixer. Achieve maximum resolution with the intelligent limiter, advanced digital summing mixer, accurate delays and bit pattern transparency.

Additional Mastering 6000 Tools

On top of the dedicated Mastering tools, you also get the essential UnWrap HD algorithm for turning stereo into surround and the finest loudness meter on the market – our LM6 Loudness Radar Meter. Plus the pristine MDW EQ by George Massenburg Labs and VariPitch8.

UnWrap HD

Our UnWrap HD algorithm is the go to upconverter for film and mastering professionals. The sheer sound quality you achieve during upconversion is unrivalled and can be heard in countless cinema movies and music tracks.

LM6

Complete loudness overview at a glance, including Loudness History, Momentary Loudness, True Peak Level and universal descriptors that can show e.g. Program Loudness, Loudness Range.

MDW HiRes EQ

There can be absolutely no doubt that George Massenburg has a great sense of audio, and the MDW® HiRes EQ has been developed strictly to his personal specifications. As the MDW® design complements the TC Electronic EQ alternatives, you simply get the opportunity to choose between several desirable EQ flavors, each with their own specific advantages.

VariPitch8

High-quality pitch change, chorus and double tracking. Quite simply the best, most unobtrusive pitch control device you will ever find.

Expand With Even More Tools

Apart from the wealth of included algorithms listed above, you can add even more worldclass audio tools.
No matter what your main area of production is, you might find optional tools that will fit into your workflow.

System 6000 Integrator

System 6000 Integrator is an audio & video software integration plug-in. In short, it allows you to integrate pristine TC processing with your DAW or NLE. Simply save and reload the complete settings of your System 6000 as part of your project.

Total Control with the TC ICON Remote

We know you’ll love working with our intuitive and innovative TC ICON Remote. We’ve even included the remote as software so you can also run it on your Mac or PC.

• Incredibly Fast Touch Screen and Faders Response
• Intuitive and User-friendly Interface
• Controls Even More TC Studio and Broadcast Units with Dual Ethernet and Dual USB Ports
• Integrate Multiple Mainframes and TC ICONS/Editors Into Your Network

Routing Magic

Your TC Icon display gives you an astonishingly fast and flexible way to connect your 16 physical I/Os to your 32 Internal Engine I/Os.

• Visual overview of all I/O connections
• Run all I/Os simultaneously – at 96 kHz
• Parallel and Serial Routing of Engine I/Os
• Output various standards of 5.1 channels with ease
• Physical inputs feed several Engines simultaneously
• Mix Engine outputs on Physical outputs
• Store Routings separately from processing settings

Connectivity

With the System 6000 MKII hardware platform, you’ll always have the best possible signal path for your sonic creations:

• Up to 16 Physical Input and 16 Output Channels
• All Channels Run up to 96kHz Sample Rate
• AES/EBU or Analog – or a Mix Between Them
• State of the Art AD/DA Converter Cards (ADA24/96)
• The Potential to Configure a Total of 6 AD/DA Converter Channels

Optional Hardware

Your System 6000 MKII always includes a Mainframe with 8 channels AES/EBU I/O, the TC Icon Remote as hardware as well as software for Mac and PC. But we want to you to know that you have even more options:

Two-Channel Analog Reference Quality I/O Module

Up to three of these ADA2496 cards can be fitted into one Mainframe, giving a total of six analog reference quality I/Os.

Additional 8 AES/EBU I/O Channels Card

System 6000 MKII is born with 8 channels of AES/EBU and one additional AES/EBU-8 card can be inserted into the Mainframe. The I/O connector is a 25-pin D Sub type and we’ve provided a D-Sub to XLR connector snake with the card.

500 Scene, 500 Routing and 1000 Engine User Present Locations

Our 1 MB PCMCIA Card gets you direct access to these from the library pages on the Icon Control.

Ethernet HUB

A standard four-port Ethernet HUB that you can use to set up networks for multiple mainframes, TC Icon remotes and computers using Mac or PC-editors.

Loudness Website

Keeping track of the multitude of issues around loudness can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve created a one-stop dedicated loudness website where you’ll find critical information on the most important issues.
The site is an answer to the highly relevant question: “What Is Loudness, and Why Is It Important?”

Triple TEC Award Winner

Our System 6000 platform has been praised right from the start. Not only by the pro audio press, but also by the TEC Foundation.
After the introduction of the original System 6000, the platform received its first TEC Award in 2000. Five years later, Mastering 6000, won another TEC Award. Finally, we received a third TEC award for the MKII version in 2010.
We are proud and honored, but we don’t rest on our laurels. We stand comitted to continuously refine the platform by developing new state-of-the-art tools and software.
System 6000 has stayed ahead of the curve for more than a decade, and we intend to keep things that way!

Features:

• Ultimate mastering processor offers a full mastering-tailored suite of high-end utilities on a tough, industry-proven hardware platform
• Special SYSTEM 6000 MKII version provides a complete pre-installed set of tools for mastering, including useful presets and some of the finest dynamic tools known to audio
• Core hardware platform has been heavily tested in the most demanding production environments since 1999 and is used by thousands of leading studios around the globe
• Powerful multichannel algorithms from the original MASTERING 6000 give sophisticated and precise audio control
• Exceptional stereo mastering tools for multiband compression, EQ, expanding, normalizing, and Brickwall Limiting let you achieve a flawless sound
• UNWRAP HD algorithm delivers unparalleled 5.1 content from stereo sources and is the de facto industry standard for high-resolution upconversion processing
• Detailed LM6 loudness radar meter gives you a complete loudness landscape overview of your audio at a glance
• MDW* HiRES EQ with pristine 48-bit signal path complements TC ELECTRONIC EQ, allowing flexibility to achieve the precise sound you are seeking
• Additional staple technologies on board, including an advanced precision summing mixer, unobtrusive pitch control, and surround production support
• Expandable with a huge range of optional algorithm tools to let you further customize your setup to your unique production requirements
• SYSTEM 6000 INTEGRATOR AAX*, AU* and VST* remote control plug-in lets you integrate pristine TC ELECTRONIC processing with your DAW or NLE
• Intuitive ICON remote hardware interface with touch screen and motorized sliders makes it enchantingly easy to navigate audio options, and free ICON control software for PC or Mac* provides in-depth control remotely
• 3-Year Warranty Program*
• Designed and engineered in Denmark

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Brand	TC Electronic
Condition	New
Variations:	MASTERING 6000, w/ MKII SUB D XLR, w/ MKII XLR incl TC ICON MKII

TC Icon MKII

• Display Type:
• 6,5 TFT active matrix color LCD display
• 640 x 480 pixels resolution
• High luminance (300 cd/m2, typ.)
• Touch screen: Resistive, 20 gram activation force
• Faders: Six (6), 90mm motorized with touch sensitivity
• Connection: 36-pin MDR connection for Remote CPU 6000 MK II

General

• Finish: Natural color anodized aluminum. Stand plate in brushed stainless steel
• Dimensions: D x W x H front x Hback: 11 x 7.8 x 1.3 x 3.9 inches (279 x 198 x 33 x 100 mm)
• Weight: 5.56 Ib (2,51 kg)

EMC Environment

• Complies with: EN 55103-1 and EN 55103-2, FCC part 15 class B, CISPR 22 class B
• Operating Temperature: 32° F to 122° F (0° C to 50° C)
• Storage Temperature: -22° F to 167° F (-30° C to 70° C)
• Humidity: Max. 90 % non-condensing

Safety

Certified to: IEC 60065, EN 60065, UL 6500 and CSA E65

Mainframe 6000 MKII

Digital Inputs and Outputs

• Connectors: SUB-D, 25 pole (8 channels AES/EBU in/out)
• Formats: AES/EBU (24 bit)
• Internal sample rate: 96 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 48.0 kHz, 44.1 kHz
• Internal clock precision: +/- 30 ppm
• Jitter rejection at external sample rates: 30 to 34 kHz, 42.5 to 45.5 kHz, 46.5 to 48.5 kHz, 85 to 91 kHz and 93 to 97 kHz.
• Rejection filter (4'th order): < -3 dB @ 50 Hz, < -65 dB @ 500 Hz, < -100 dB @ 1.4 kHz
• Rejection filter peak (jitter gain): < 1 dB @ 2 Hz
• Intrinsic interface jitter: < 1 ns peak, BW : 700 Hz to 100 kHz
• Digital output phase: < 3 % of sample period
• Output Dither: HPF/TPDF dither 8-24 bit mono
• Processing Delay: 0.15 ms + 0.21 ms per engine @ 48 kHz, 0.07 ms + 0.1 ms per engine @ 96 kHz
• Frequency Response DIO: DC to 23.9 kHz ± 0.01 dB @ 48 kHz, DC to 47.9 kHz ± 0.01 dB @ 96 kHz

PCMCIA Interface Control Interface EMC Safety Environment

• Connector: PC Card, 68 pin type 1 cards
• Standards: PCMCIA 2.0, JEIDA 4.0
• Card Format: Supports up to 2 MB SRAM
• MIDI: In/Out/Thru: 5 Pin DIN
• GPI, Pedal, Fader: ¼ TS jack, 0 ohm to 50 kohm
• Remote: Custom MIDI In & Out
• SMPTE: Input for Cuelist Management
• Ethernet: 10/100 Mbits/s, Base-T
• Complies with: EN 55103-1 and EN 55103-2, FCC part 15 class B, CISPR 22 class B
• Certified to: IEC 60065, EN 60065, UL 6500 and CSA E65
• Operating Temperature: 32° F to 122° F (0° C to 50° C)
• Storage Temperature: -22° F to 167° F (-30° C to 70° C)
• Humidity: Max. 90 % non-condensing

General

• Finish: Natual color anodized aluminum face plate. Painted and plated steel chassis
• Dimensions: 19 x 3.5 x 12 inches (483 x 89 x 305 mm)
• Weight: 19 lbs. (8,6 kg)
• Mains Voltage: 100 to 240 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz (auto-select)
• Power Consumption: 45 watts
• Backup Battery Life: >10 years

Remote CPU 6000 MKII

CPU Connections:

• Connectors: Embedded AMD Geode LX-800, 500MHz
• System disc: 512MB CompactFlash Card
• System Memory: 256MB SO DIMM 200-pin DDR SDRAM
• Operating system: Windows Embedded Standard
• Ethernet interface: Two separated 10/100 Mbits/s TC Network (fixed IP) and firewalled internet network (dynamic IP). Standard IEEE 802.3u protocol compatible on RJ-45 connectors.
• USB interface: Two Universal Serial Bus ports, USB 2.0 compliant (for connection of TCE products, e.g. Reverb4000, DB2)
• COM interface: Two RS-232 serial communication ports. SUB-D 9 pin (for connection of TCE products, e.g. P2, DB2)
• Keyboard/Mouse: Mini-DIN connector supports standard PC/AT keyboard and a PS/2 mouse.
• External display: VGA output, SUB-D 15 pin
• Remote: 36-pin connection for TC Icon mk II

EMC Safety Environment

• Complies with: EN 55103-1 and EN 55103-2, FCC part 15 class B, CISPR 22 class B
• Certified to: IEC 60065, EN 60065, UL 6500 and CSA E65
• Operating Temperature: 32° F to 122° F (0° C to 50° C)
• Storage Temperature: -22° F to 167° F (-30° C to 70° C)
• Humidity: Max. 90 % non-condensing

General

• Finish: Natural color anodized aluminum face plate. Painted and plated steel chassis
• Dimensions: 19 x 1.75 x 8.2 inches (483 x 44 x 195 mm)
• Weight: 4,8 Ib. (2,2 kg)
• Mains Voltage: 100 to 240 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz (auto-select)
• Power Consumption: 50 watts
• Backup Battery Life: >10 years

ADA 24/96

ADA 24/96 Analog input

• Connectors: XLR balanced (pin 2+, pin 3-)
• Impedance: 10/3 kohm (Balanced/unbalanced)
• Selectable Full Scale Input level: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 dBu
• Dynamic Range (A-In: 12, 18, 24, 30 dBu): > 113 dB (unweighted), BW: 20-20kHz
• THD-N: < 105 dB @ 1kHz, -3 dBFS
• Frequency Response (*with linear filter): +0/-0.1 dB +0/-3 dB
• Output Sample Rate @ 32 kHz @ 44.1* kHz @ 48* kHz @ 96* kHz: 1.2 Hz - 14.8 kHz
• Crosstalk: < 120 dB, 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• CMRR (A-in: 24 dBu, Rs: 2x20 Ohm): > 80 dB @ 50/60 Hz & > 90 dB @ 1 kHz 24 bit (Dual bit delta sigma sampling at 4.1/5.6/6.1/6.1 mHz)

ADA 24/96 Analog Output

• Connectors: XLR balanced (pin 2+, pin 3-)
• Impedance: 40/20 ohm (Balanced/unbalanced)
• Impedance Balance: > 60 dB, @ 20-20 kHz
• Signal Balance: > 40 dB, @ 20-20 kHz
• Selectable Full Scale Output Level: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 dBu (Balanced/unbalanced)
• Dynamic Range (A-Out: 18, 24 dBu): >113 dB (unweighted), BW 20-20kHz
• THD+N: > -95 dB @ 1 kHz, -3 dBFS
• Frequency Response - Output Sample Rate (*with linear filter)
• @ 32 kHz: +0/-0.3 dB (1.2 Hz-14.8 kHz), +0/-3 dB (0.2 Hz-15.6 kHz)
• @44.1* kHz: +0/-0.3 dB (1.2 Hz-14.8 kHz), +0/-3 dB (0.2 Hz-20.6 kHz)
• @ 48* kHz: +0/-0.3 dB (1.2 Hz-20.3 kHz), +0/-3 dB (0.2 Hz-21.2 kHz)
• @ 96 kHz: +0/-0.3 dB (1.2 Hz-44.4 kHz), +0/-3 dB (0.2-46.8 kHz)
• Crosstalk: < 110 dB, 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• D to A Conversion: 24 bit (Multi-bit delta sigma sampling at 4.1/5.6/6.1/6.1 MHz)
• Selectable Sample Conversion Filters: In/Out Sample Rate 32/96
• Fixed filter: In/Out Sample Rate 44.1/48
• Filter choices: Linear, Natural, Vintage, Bright & Standard

AES 8

In/Out

• Connectors: D-SUB, 25 pole (8 channels AES/EBU in/out)
• Format: AES/EBU (24bit)
• Supported sample rates: 96 kHz, 88,2 kHz, 48 kHz, 44,1 kHz, 32 kHz
• Intrinsic interface jitter: < 1 ns peak, BW: 700Hz to 100kHz
• Digital output phase: < 3 % of sample period
• Input variation before: sample slip +27 % / -73 % of sample period
• Output Dither: HPF/TPDF dither 8-24 bit
• Processing Delay: 0.15ms + 0.21 ms per Engine @ 48kHz, 0.07 ms + 0.1 ms per Engine @ 96kHz
• Frequency response DIO: DC to 23,9kHz +/- 0,01 dB @ 48kHz, DC to 47,9kHz +/- 0,01 dB @ 96kHz

EMC

• Complies with: EN 55103-1 and EN 55103-2 FCC part 15 class B
• Safety CISPR 22 class B: Certified to IEC 60065, EN 60065, UL 6500 and CSA E6

Download Manual for TC Electronics Mastering 6000 Processor Unit